|
|
|
The Achiever Newsletter
Time Is a Fleeting Thing - Part 2
By
Kathleen J. Wheelihan
 This
article is part two of our series, in which we’re sharing tips and
tools from our from our “I
Hate Time Management” program. In this issue, we’ll
address procrastination, which many of our seminar participants identify
as their greatest time management challenge.
You know what needs to be done; you just don’t do it! Miraculously,
you’d rather clean the house, wash the car, take out the garbage,
or walk the dog—anything to avoid tackling that “other”
task that’s waiting for you. It’s a common tale, but too
often procrastination leaves us running to catch up, working under pressure,
and stalled from accomplishing the results we want.
We’ve asked seminar participants to share some of their own techniques
to fight procrastination. Take a look at this list to see which
strategies may work for you:
- Just do it!
- Do the worst tasks first.
- Tackle the task in small segments.
- Delegate the task.
- Decide to decide—handle e-mails, voice mails, snail mail, and
inquiries decisively rather than setting them aside for later.
- Create a priority action list (daily-weekly-monthly; A-B-C; 1-2-3,
must do-should do-nice to do, etc.).
- Refer to long-range plans to stay focused.
- Keep priorities visible.
- Anticipate and plan time for interruptions in your day.
- Turn difficult tasks into a game or competition.
- Select the best time of day for the work required.
- Commit to a deadline and hold yourself accountable.
- Ask for help.
- Build in rewards or incentives for accomplishment.
- Question priorities and be willing to change them if appropriate.
- Identify potential obstacles and how you will overcome them.
- Celebrate your progress and successes.
- Share your goal or project with someone that will encourage you and
help you stay on track.
- Keep this list handy to refer to when you find yourself procrastinating.
If you have time management tips you’d like to share or if your
organization would benefit from our “I
Hate Time Management” program, contact us at 800-886-2MAX.
Publication Date: Summer 2001
 Kathleen
J. Wheelihan is a professional
speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc.,
a firm specializing in custom-designed keynote presentations, seminars,
and consulting services. Kathleen has made presentations ranging from creativity
to customer service and leadership to teambuilding for a number of industries,
including credit union, education, government, health care, manufacturing,
and real estate. For more information on AchieveMax®
seminars, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact
form. |
|
Time Management Training or Time Management Keynote Presentation Information
Time Management Articles
Time Management Books
|
|
|
|
